HCHC offers diabetes education series

Jun 05, 2014

Henry County Health Center's diabetes team will be offering a diabetes education series Tuesday, June 17, and Tuesday, June 24. The two-day program is open to anyone who has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The classes will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on June 17. The second class will be conducted from 8 to 11:30 a.m. on June 24. Both classes will be held in the Health Education Center at HCHC. Directions will be given when you call Laura Williams, RN, CDE, CCP, at 319-385-6518 to register. Please register by June 16. Topics include meal planning; exercise; personal goals; eye disease; glucose monitoring; foot, skin and dental care; complications of diabetes; explanation of diabetes; medications; and behavior modifications. There will be time for questions. The purpose of the program is to provide people who have diabetes and their families the latest information regarding the disease and to help them become aware that diabetes education is a lifelong process. The HCHC Diabetes Education Center has earned Iowa State Certification. It has also been awarded recognition from the American Diabetes Association, which assures that it has met the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs. HCHC's Diabetes Education team offers certified diabetes educators through the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators. People with diabetes face a shortened life span and also suffer from many preventable diabetes-related complications, such as lower extremity amputations, end-stage renal disease, blindness, long-term reduction in activity, and cardiovascular disease. Many of these diabetes-related complications can be reduced or prevented through treatment and appropriate self-management. There is a fee for the series; however, many insurance plans will cover the program. For more information, or to sign up for the class series, contact the HCHC Diabetes Education Center at 319-385-6518.